St. John’s is on the Eastern coast of Newfoundland and according to the AAA Tour Book it is one of the oldest cities in North America. John Cabot discovered Newfoundland and Labrador in 1497 and the name is believed to come from the fact that this spot was discovered on the feast day of St. John the Baptist. It has a perfectly sheltered harbor which made it a perfect place to settle and today is the capital, commercial center, and principal port of the island. Several cargo ships were being unloaded when we were there.

Entry to St. John’s Bay

The primary shopping area is Water Street and one source of information said that there is a saying that if someone asks how to get the the shopping area the reply is “go down hill until you hit Water.” This is accurate as we went down stairs, up stairs, down hills, up hills. and down Water Street.

As in most towns in the northeast and midwest North America, the architecture is heavy Gothic. It is sturdy and stable – able to withstand the harsh winters, weathered – maybe like the people.

Court House

The Court House was on Waters Street which is the second street up, running parallel to the the harbor.

We parked one block up and when we were returning we could see church spires further up the hill. I decided we would drive and I’m glad we did because as in most old towns the road don’t run straight and we would head toward it and then it wouldn’t be where we had seen it. How do you loose a Cathedral?

Anglican Cathedral St. John the Baptist

This church is said to be one of the finest examples of Gothic church architecture in North America, the cornerstone was laid in 1849.

Across the street is the Gower Street United Church.

Gower Street United Church

Further up the hill is the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

Basilica of St. John the Baptist

This Cathedral was begun in 1841.

And to feed our little less spiritual needs, a cute sign on Duckworth Street.

And of course, surrounding the churches and shops are the colorful houses running up and down and across the hills. A very exciting, fun, and easy city to visit.